Some roads were recently severely damaged after the heavy rain. Motorists have since raised questions regarding the durability of Mpumalanga’s roads and if they have been well maintained. On Sunday the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport issued several warnings on the damage and closure of certain roads.
The R541 between Manzana, formerly Badplaas, and Machadodorp was completely closed. “This came as a result of extensive damage caused by the ongoing rain. Motorists travelling between the two places are advised to use the R36 that goes via Carolina,” said Moeti Mmusi, spokesperson for the provincial department.
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On Sunday night the gravel road leading to Shelangubo Village outside Barberton was severely damaged by the rain. A warning was issued to the public. Motorists using the R533 between Graskop and Hazyview (Kowyns Pass) endured an extremely slow drive on Sunday as the road was undergoing an emergency maintenance.
“This was due to a rockfall from the steep embankments. Road users were urged to be extra careful,” said Mmusi. Concerned members of the public took to Facebook to respond to some of the warnings issued by the department. Ayrton Eugenssen M Goodfeller said, “Disaster on super steroids… now we’ll get to see our budget allocations put to good use by responsible municipalities instead of being used as highback office cushions. Sitting on the funds waiting to devise the next legitimised looting trick while infrastructure crumbles because they’re clueless as to what must be done, how and where cadre deployment sucks!” Lwazi Mwelase said, “By the way Mpumalanga roads and houses, it’s a disaster.”
Marcia OC Maseko Ngcamane (referring to the R541 between Manzana and Machadodorp) said, “This road has been damaged since 2016, but they take action now. The rain made it worse right now. This is one of our job opportunities.”
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Dikeledi Mashego, also referring to the R541, said, “The road was damaged before rain nje.” Hendrick Makuwa, referring to the R533 between Graskop and Hazyview, said, “Most of our provincial roads have these kinds of problems. A temporary fix means we must expect the above every now and then. I hope your team can come up with a long-lasting plan e.g. shotcretes. The newly built road between Lydenburg and Bambi is already starting to wash away within five months from completion. It looks like your office ignores quality control measures. When is the third phase starting? Because you hardly engage the third gear on that road. I am sure it is the worst road to drive on in South Africa.”
